By Shirley Cottaar.
A white army of fir trees show up outside the airplane window. ‘Tervetuola’, welcome to Kuusamo-Ruka, Winter Wonderland, where my adventure starts! The small airport of Kuusamo gives easily access to Northern Finland to spend quality time together with friends and family.
Almost as important is the guarantee of snow and extreme temperatures way below zero degrees. Except for the snow, which Kuusamo has plenty, this area is famous for excellent husky and snowmobile safaris, ice fishing and ski facilities in a fabulous landscape. Not to mention the Finnish tradition of great hospitality, wellness and food ready to be experienced at one of the great lodges in the middle of the nature, the Isokenkäisten Klubi.
The fresh faces of the hostesses Katja and Sirpa immediately make me feel at home in their beautiful wooden lodge with several types of accomodations.
Founded by their father Aimo, the sisters not only host foreign guests in their lodge but also locals who come for a good meal and to relax.
“My father got the idea to start a lodge because friends of him, important Finish politicians, came here for relaxation and to swim in the lake Heikinjärvi. The name ‘Isokenkäisten’ means ‘big foot’ in the Finnish language refering to these important guests in the past. But after that our bussiness expanded receiving guests from all over the world. It is a pleasure to arrange all the outdoor activities for our guests in Lapland,” explains Katja with a smile.
Sirpa enters the room preparing the dinner tables and pours me a cup of special home made tea. “These herbs are picked by us during summer time.” Sirpa is in charge of the kitchen where all the meals are prepared. “Everything is fresh and traditional Finnish.” Sirpa shows me a hand of lingonberries and cloudberries that will be used in today’s dessert. “Wait untill you taste our declicious arctic reindeer meat and our Kitkan Viisas fishes from the lake!”
Landscape activities
When the Husky sleds depart in the morning for a 15 kilometer ride I find myself in the snowy landscape enjoying the silence and wilderness. I am protected by a special suit against the cold that is handed out at the beginning of the holiday in the lodge. For the Husky’s it can not be cold enough, the colder it is the better the dogs are able to pull te sleds.
After returning to the lodge in the evening Katja and Sirpa are calling all the guests with big enthusiasm. Stunning Northern lights show up outside te lodge around the lake. “In this area there is a big chance to spot the Northern lights because we are isolated. There are no lights from other buildings,” as Katja points her finger to the sky. The mysterious combination of colors seem to move, finding it’s way through the trees. “The Northern lights is a rare phenomenon, and you are lucky to see it tonight. We are always excited too when we see it.”
Safari to Kuntivaara
Highlight of my visit to Lapland is the snowmobile safari to the hill of Kuntivaara (460 m), near the Russian border. Driving high speed over frozen lakes and through the hills I finally reach the famous hill of Kuntivaara.
Excited of the marvelous view I get away of the paths ending with my middle in the snow gazing at the Russian lakes on the other side of te hill.
Luckely the day ends with a traditional Smoke Sauna at the lodge, heated by father Aimo. Sauna, a typical Finnish tradition that after a long day in the cold I cannot wait to experience myself.
For information:
Embassy of the Republic of Finland: http://www.finlande.nl/nl
